Shifting the narrative

Shifting the narrative

In Canada and throughout North America, an important conversation is happening about the historical value of statues, memorials and place names, about who we honour in society for their contributions and how. It has brought some critical thinking about our history and heritage, discussions that have stretched beyond professional forums to more public debate about who or what should be commemorated and how those decisions are made. There are strong opinions on all aspects of the discussion, and it’s a conversation that needs to be heard. The underlying question is about what we value and who we want to be.

This is part of a broader discourse about whose history is told, about gender, people of colour and the economically disenfranchised, and others whose stories have been overlooked or intentionally omitted from the authorized discourse. It’s about what we conserve and how such choices are made; about decolonizing history; about building bridges of reconciliation and creating a sense of belonging. This should come as no surprise. Think for a moment about how we have gotten here. In terms of our public history, we’ve created a national identity expressed through historic sites and monuments focused on forts, institutions, historic sites and collections; defined by society’s most influential communities; and based on western European traditions of the monumental, the grand, rare and impressive. Widespread enthusiasm for the celebration of milestones measured from the date of Confederation has left us with a collection of sites and stories drawn more from western European expressions of value than from a Canadian-specific experience.

Over the past several years, the Trust has made a concerted effort to share stories of all of the people of Ontario – providing a forum to look back over more than 10,000 years at the people who have called this province home. The Trust continues to re-define the narrative – to ensure that the heritage we protect and the stories we tell are a respectful, accurate and authentic portrayal of the peoples who have lived on and contributed to this land known as Ontario.

We are working with communities across the province to share their own stories in their own voices, to celebrate the diversity of experiences, languages, customs and perspectives of different people and different places. This approach is embodied in the way the Trust forms policy, the way it listens and acts, and fundamentally how it respects others. As individuals, organizations and communities, we have the ability to choose what we pass along to those who follow.

Heritage Matters provides a forum where many writers have shared their unique stories, perspectives and areas of expertise: